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Michelle Obama recently shared some great information on The Bump about how the Affordable Care Act can help new and expecting mothers receive coverage from everything from maternity care through pediatrician visits (you can check out the article here for more information). But, what may stand out even more is that the First Lady shared what it felt like for her to be expecting her first baby.

In her own words, she says that during her pregnancy she felt “excitement, wonder, hope… and the occasional moment of panic at the prospect of bringing this little person into the world.” In addition, she remembers asking herself: “Would our little girl be able to tell that we had no what we were doing?”

In a word, she felt overwhelmed!

How many of us can relate to this myriad of feelings? And, how great does it feel to know that even a powerful, confident woman like Michelle Obama has felt like this, too?

The important thing to take away from this is that it is completely normal to feel overwhelmed about having a new baby. This adventure is going bring you joy and love in ways that you’ve never experienced them, but it will also turn your world upside down in more ways than you can imagine. There may be times during your pregnancy, and after, when you start to wonder what you have gotten yourself into!

Let yourself experience these emotions as much as you need to and don’t be afraid to talk to your partner, family, or friends about them. If they are parents themselves, they will certainly be able to relate. One thing that can be a tremendous asset during the early days with your new baby can be adding a doula to your postpartum team. Postpartum doulas are there to help you rest, recover, and reassure you that you are being the best mother you can be! They can help you to understand why your newborn acts they way do and give you a great practical education, such as how to bathe, dress, diaper, and feed your baby. Additionally, they can give you the extra time you need to relax and spend time bonding with your new bundle of joy by taking care of your laundry and dishes, making sure you have healthy snacks nearby, and cooking you a delicious meal. Of course, they also provide you with a listening ear if any of those overwhelming feelings creep up again.

Having a new baby is a big transition – don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. And, remember that all new parents are learning as they go, even the First Family!

Am I in labor? As this classic scene from Friends illustrates, this
is exactly what happens when a woman goes into labor: She feels a twinge
of what may be a contraction and that means labor has started. It’s time to
panic! The baby is coming. NOW! There will probably not be any time to get out
the door to a hospital or birth center, so that means anyone near her must
become an instant expert on delivering babies. Oh, and, not to mention the
mess!

You can always trust your Friends, right?

Well… maybe not in this instance. Let’s talk about what
labor, particularly the beginning stages, really looks like.

In many cases, deciphering the beginning of labor is not
quite so straightforward. Especially if you’re a first time mom that has never
experienced a contraction, it can be difficult to know when your Braxton Hicks
contractions, which can become more frequent near the end of pregnancy, stop
and when real contractions begin. You may also experience Prodromal labor for
several days before you are in the throes of active labor.

Prodormal Labor, also known as false labor, produces contractions
that feel like stronger Braxton Hicks. But, unlike true labor, these
contractions are irregular. They may show up at the same time each day, and
last for just a few hours, disappearing as quickly as they arrived. The length
of each contraction will also vary. In true labor, contractions will not go
away. Instead, they will become stronger, longer, and closer together.

This false labor can be confusing and emotionally draining!
But, take heart, if you experience Prodromal labor, all that work is not in
vain. It can help to begin the process of softening and dilating your cervix,
which may in turn cause you to lose part of your mucous plug - a sign that true
labor is coming! There’s certainly nothing false about the bloody show.

So, what can you do if you’re experiencing false labor? Take
a hint from your body: just as it’s practicing for the rigors of labor, you can
practice your coping mechanisms, breathing, and relaxation techniques. It may
also be a good time to double that you have everything packed and ready to go,
or to simply sit back, rest, and enjoy some time to yourself before you begin
your transition into motherhood.

When real labor begins it’s also not usually the immediate
emergency situation it can be made out to be on TV or in the movies. During the
early stages of labor, you will likely have time to labor at home, take a
shower, or even get some time to rest before heading out the door to the
hospital or birth center. Of course, there can be a lot of variability, but an
average length of labor for first time moms is between 10 to 20 hours and
generally progresses more quickly if you have already given birth vaginally.
So, there’s no need to start boiling water or cutting sheets at the first sign
of a contraction. If you are at all confused about whether or not you are in
labor, you can always give your doctor or midwife a call; they will be able to
answer any questions you have and help you assess if it’s time to come pay them
a visit.

And of course, one thing you can always be sure of when it
comes to your labor, just like your Friends, your doula will be there
for you.

Main Line Doulas is co-sponsoring
film screening in Phoenixville on April 5th, 2014 of Breastmilk, The
Movie to raise funds for The Birth Center's three breastfeeding support
groups.

March 17th, 2014 Merion Station, PA. Philadelphia area childbirth coach
doula practice, Main Line Doulas to sponsor fundraising charity event
screening of the film Breastmilk The Movie. The purpose is to raise
funds for a free local breastfeeding support group run by The Birth
Center located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. This support group provides
the community with three locations in the greater Philadelphia area. The
groups are facilitated by Registered Nurse and Lactation Consultant
Patty Siegrist and are open to all breastfeeding mothers. For questions
about support groups contact Patty at 610-525-6106 or
patty@thebirthcenter.org

This breastfeeding group has been a staple support group in the
Philadelphia area since 2007. Patty Siegrist has been supporting
breastfeeding mothers at The Birth Center for almost 20 years. She has
served hundreds of women, contributing to the overall wellness in our
communities.

Siegrist said,

“Breast milk is the best gift parents can give
their baby. Breast feeding isn't always easy. Mother-baby support groups
allow women to connect and share the ups and downs of breast feeding so
the benefits of breast milk for baby, mother, and family may go on for a
lifetime.”

The purpose of this event is to raise money to
continue to run the free women's support group. Main Line Doulas wanted
to contribute to this important event. Main Line Doulas is the
Philadelphia areas largest doula practice, providing innovative birth
and postpartum doula services to families during the pregnancy, birth
and the newborn stage. More information about their pregnancy and
newborn services can be found at www.mainlinedoulas.com.

Main Line Doulas Founder Aliza Bancoff said,

"When
I heard that The Birth Center Breastfeeding support group needed
support from local businesses, I immediately wanted to help out in some
way and was excited when this idea of a film screening was presented to
me. At Main Line Doulas, our primary mission is supporting new moms in
our community during the transitions of pregnancy, birth and the newborn
period. So supporting this event was a no-brainer for us."

The
event will be a screening of the new film Breastmilk The Movie, from the
film producers of The Business of Being Born and will take place on
April 5th, 2014 at the Phoenixville movie theater, The Colonial Theater
at 10am followed by a panel discussion and silent auction.

"With
unexpected humor, with an unflinching camera, with some guilt and some
pain, this film takes the unusual risk of examining what breast milk
truly means. We are often told that breast milk is better. Better for
babies, better for mothers, better for nutrition, health, well-being,
and society. Many accept this and yet there are still very few women who
succeed in breastfeeding exclusively for the recommended six months and
beyond. What would it take to change?”

The event was put together by two moms directly affected and supported by the group, Rachael Morris and Rosa Bolger.

When asked why Bolger wanted to put together this event, she said,

“Patty's
support group has been hugely beneficial to me, it is the main reason I
am able to maintain a loving and successful breastfeeding relationship
with my 10 month old, Scarlet. Other than a few early problems, we are
lucky that our breastfeeding journey has been relatively smooth, but
Patty and the other mothers have not only given me support, but
knowledge, love, and confidence as a mother. What could be more
important than that?”

The Bryn Mawr group meets every other
Thursday. Support meetings are 9:30-12:00pm. Meeting location is at 1062
E Lancaster Ave. (Rosemont Plaza) Room 20.

The West Philadelphia Group meets every other Wednesday from 10am-12pm. The group is held at Studio 34 at 4522 Baltimore Ave.

The
Phoenixville group meets every other Friday from 10-12. The location is
at St. John's Lutheran Church in the "Fireside Room." Address: 355 St.
John's Cir, Phoenixville.

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Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed? Although planning ahead is ideal, it doesn't always happen. We pride ourselves in being able to accommodate last minute needs. For last minute, SAME DAY SERVICE call now. 484-802-6100484-802-6100Our Mission:

Our mission at Main Line Doulas is to provide the highest quality dependable care to families during pregnancy, childbirth and in the weeks and months after. Our comprehensive approach to childbirth and aftercare starts by recognizing that no two families are alike. We bring comfort and peace of mind to you and your family by creating a specific plan that meets your needs. Whether it's days, nights, weekends or last minute care, our dedicated, professional staff will be here to nurture you, so you can nurture the ones you love. Become a strong, confident new parent with the help of a doula by your side.

Disclaimer:The information included on this site is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan.